More from Fightline

A former UFC champion, Werdum (23-7-1) is looking to stretch his career longer and improve upon his current two-fight win streak that features victories over Marcin Tybura and a first round submission of Walt Harris.

“I believe a lot in myself,” Werdum said. “I’ve been inside the cage for almost 20 years. It’s a long time.”

Back in 2014, Werdum scored a key victory over Mark Hunt that secured him the interim title at the time. A few months later, he submitted Cain Velasquez to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.

In his first title defense, though, Werdum was left stunned in Brazil by reigning and current champion Stipe Miocic.

“I beat Mark Hunt after that Cain Velasquez,” he said. “After that, I lose my belt. I want to fight. I want to fight more. I need to get back.”

Volkov enters the fight on a five-fight win streak and is 29-6 overall. He won the vacant Bellator heavyweight title in 2012 with a decision vs. Richard Hale, dropping it in his first defense. He won another Bellator tournament in 2014 but never received a title shot, moving to M-1 two years later and winning the belt there.

“I know he’s very dangerous guy,” Werdum said. “He’s very tall guy, but in jiu-jitsu he is a blue belt and I don’t think he’s a complete fighter.”